Who Are The Stars That Will - And Won't - Perform At Donald Trump's Inauguration?

Jackie Evancho, 16, who came second in America's Got Talent six years ago, will perform at Donald Trump's inauguration.

Stretching forward in time until that of Barack Obama, the Inaugurations of new Presidents of the United States have been more and more star-studded through the generations.

No incoming President however has had as many stars refuse to take part as Donald Trump.

And just as he has made Twitter a tool of his personal mission to Make America Great Again, so the stars who have turned down requests to perform have not hesitated to make their views known on social media.

There a dearth of high-profile celebrity performers willing to take part, and even those choirs that have agreed to do it have found themselves caught up in controversy as a result.

The performers so far are:

Jackie Evancho, 16, who became a star when she finished second on America's Got Talent six years ago when she was just 10 years old. After she agreed to take part, Donald Trump tweeted:

Washington National Cathedral choristers will sing at the inauguration on 20 January and the interfaith prayer service the following day. Kevin Eckstrom, the cathedral's communications officer, said: "The dean accepted an invitation to have the choir sing at the inauguration itself, which is an optional call for choir members who are interested." 

Missouri State University Chorale, which has 50 singers, will perform will perform an original song, Now We Belong, with music composed by John Wykoff and words by Michael Dennis Browne.

The Rockettes dance troupe have agreed to perform, although members who do not wish to have been told it is not compulsory.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, where not all 360 members are happy. At least one has resigned and a petition has been put online arguing the choir should not take part.

The US Army.

The refusers include:

Moby, who posted on Instagram: "Hahahahaha, I was just asked by a booking agent if I would consider djing at one of the inaugural balls for #trump... Hahahahaha, wait, Hahahaha, really?"

Rebecca Ferguson said she would only perform if she could sing the black protest song Strange Fruit.

Elton John, who has said he "fears for the world" if Donald Trump becomes President.

Welsh singer Charlotte Church, who tweeted:

The Inaugural organising committee remains confident in its approach, however.

The stage might not quite be set yet, but it is being built.

News
Shavuot - the festival of second chances
Shavuot - the festival of second chances

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster unpacks the Jewish perspective of Shavuot - the festival known to Christians as Pentecost. 

Could a hidden bias toward religion exist among atheists?
Could a hidden bias toward religion exist among atheists?

A new study led by Dr Will Gervais, Reader in Psychology at Brunel University London, suggests that even committed atheists in some of the world’s most secular societies may intuitively favour religion over atheism. 

Just another unsung saint?
Just another unsung saint?

Big-hearted and charismatic, Subhir cut a splendid dash when he turned up for supper on his Harley-Davidson, complete with motor-cycling leathers.

Churches getting ready for major nationwide prayer initiative over Pentecost
Churches getting ready for major nationwide prayer initiative over Pentecost

In the lead-up to Pentecost weekend, 6 to 8 June, churches throughout the UK are preparing for a 36-hour, round-the-clock prayer event, marking a significant part of the broader Shine Your Light 2025 evangelism initiative.